Could you be a bus driver?

18 Jan 2017

Looking for a job with flexible hours, opportunities for progression and an office with a view? Take your career in a new direction and become a bus driver. It’s the perfect role for anyone who loves the open road and meeting new people, plus no two days are the same!

But what if you don’t have any experience? Or if you’ve never driven anything bigger than a Mini? Let us put your mind at ease...

1. But I’ve never driven a bus before!

The good news is you don’t need decades of driving experience to be a bus driver –if you can drive a car, you can drive a bus! All of our bus driver roles include full training, so as long as you’ve had a driving licence for two years (with no bans in the last 5 years and no more than 3 points on your licence) you’ll soon be an expert at driving large vehicles.

2. Surely not just anyone can be a bus driver?

Of course they can! Our drivers come from a huge variety of backgrounds, from wedding planning to childcare, to floristry and woodworking. There are transferrable skills from almost every industry, especially retail, customer service and social care.

3. Well, I am a people person...

Great! Having excellent people skills is absolutely vital to being a bus driver, as people are the most important part of the job. You have to be able to give service with a smile, be helpful, considerate and reliable.

4. Isn’t it really stressful being a bus driver?

Being a bus driver isn’t always easy, but it’s important that you’re calm under pressure. You need to be reliable and responsible, and ensure you put safety first at all times.

5. Is there a chance for me to work flexible hours and maybe even take my career further?

Absolutely! Many roles have the option of flexible or part-time working hours, depending on the position, and, if you’ve got the drive to succeed, there are plenty of opportunities to progress, from training and mentoring roles to operations.

Are you ready to get in the driving seat? Stagecoach has many bus driving opportunities available across the country, all with training provided.